Abstract

Rush Enterprises will report its fourth-quarter results on February 17, 2026 Post Market. This preview consolidates recent financial data and forecasts to frame likely outcomes for revenue, margins, GAAP profitability, and adjusted EPS, and assesses the near-term trajectory of its key revenue engines and expectations from institutions.

Market Forecast

Market models imply that Rush Enterprises’ current quarter revenue will be approximately $1.73 billion, with adjusted EPS around $0.69 and EBIT near $85.48 million; year-over-year, revenue is projected to fall by 6.99%, EBIT by 19.83%, and EPS by 17.37%. Projected margin trends point to softer profitability versus last year; explicit gross margin and net margin forecasts are not available. The company’s core business mix remains anchored by new and used commercial vehicles and parts and services, with a near-term outlook shaped by vehicle delivery timing, OEM production schedules, and customer fleet replacement cycles. Among segments, parts and services stands out as the most resilient earnings driver given recurring maintenance demand, supported by prior-quarter revenue of $642.66 million and the potential for steadier year-over-year performance.

Last Quarter Review

In the previous quarter, Rush Enterprises delivered revenue of $1.88 billion, GAAP net profit attributable to the parent of $66.69 million, an implied sequential decline in net profit of 7.94%, while reported adjusted EPS was $0.83; gross margin and net margin were not disclosed in the data set, and revenue declined 0.81% year over year. One notable business highlight was the outperformance versus consensus on revenue, with a positive surprise of $101.68 million relative to estimates. By segment, revenue distribution was led by new and used commercial vehicles at $1.13 billion, followed by parts and services at $642.66 million, leasing and rental at $93.30 million, and financial and insurance at $5.58 million, indicating a diversified mix with a sizable recurring base.

Current Quarter Outlook

Main business: New and used commercial vehicles

The new and used commercial vehicles business remains the cornerstone of quarterly revenue, contributing roughly 60.34% last quarter at $1.13 billion. For the current quarter, market estimates embed a contraction in total revenue and EBIT, consistent with a softer truck demand environment and lingering normalization after two years of elevated heavy-duty production. Seasonality in Q4, combined with OEM delivery timing and backlog conversion rates, may introduce volatility to revenue recognition. Pricing discipline and mix within Class 8 and medium-duty trucks will materially affect contribution margins, especially as used vehicle values stabilize at lower levels than peak 2023 pricing.

Most promising business: Parts and services

Parts and services, which generated $642.66 million last quarter and accounted for 34.17% of revenue, appears positioned to provide steadier earnings support. This business is tied to the installed base of vehicles in operation, and typically holds up better during new truck cycle softness. Service labor utilization, growth in contract maintenance, and enhanced parts availability can support revenue density per customer. The segment’s margin profile tends to be higher and less cyclical than vehicle sales, which could help mitigate EBIT pressure in the quarter if volumes and pricing in the truck business soften.

Key stock price swing factors this quarter

The first watchpoint is the trajectory of gross margin across the consolidated business, particularly the mix shift between vehicle sales and higher-margin parts and services; any step-down in vehicle margins from used price normalization or incentive adjustments could compress overall profitability. The second factor is operating leverage as SG&A runs against lower revenue; cost control and technician productivity will be examined by investors to gauge underlying efficiency. The third factor is management commentary on order intake, backlog, and customer fleet replacement intentions into the first half of 2026; softer order books or cautious fleet behavior would likely reinforce muted top-line expectations, while indications of steady municipal and vocational demand could offset linehaul weakness.

Analyst Opinions

Consensus commentary points to a cautious stance for the quarter, with a majority leaning toward neutral-to-bearish expectations given projected declines in revenue and earnings per share year over year. Analysts emphasize risk from cyclical normalization in Class 8 truck demand and potential pressure on used truck margins, while acknowledging the defensive characteristics of parts and services. Institutions highlighting this cautious view expect EBIT and EPS to contract in line with a downshift in OEM builds and extended replacement cycles among private fleets, while positive outliers focus on aftersales resilience and potential upside from service utilization if economic activity remains stable.